The Netherlands-India Association dates back to April 1951. During its short history its character and composition have changed remarkably. The Association was created by a group of Dutch people interested in philosophical and varied cultural aspects of Indian society. In the early years, the aim of the Association was to organize lectures and talks on aspects of Indian religions, culture and philosophy.

By 1969 the number of Indians living in the Netherlands had increased significantly and the composition and character of the Association started to reflect the socio-cultural interests also of its Indian members. This was reflected in its Constitution written and adopted in June 1973.

The Netherlands-India Association has come a long way since its creation in 1951. It has contributed actively to the development of Indo-Dutch cultural relations.

With the modest pride and joy, we announce the Diamond Jubilee Celebrations of the Netherlands-India Association (NIA) from March – October 2011. For the first wave of  arrivals of Indians to the Netherlands it may not be a surprise but, for the later immigrants and the ever increasing Indian diaspora it is a happy moment to reflect on the birth, growth and survival of one of the oldest cultural associations in the Netherlands. It continues to play an important role in bridging the friendship between the two important countries in the world. The NIA has brought not only the Indian classical arts to the Dutch stage but also the traditional arts of the Netherlands. It has contributed to the rich traditions of both the countries. All the members of NIA are invited to take part in the coming celebrations.

The Executive Board of the NIA decided in 2010 to celebrate the Diamond Jubilee of our association in a fitting manner in March – October 2011. These celebrations include four important activities:

1. Publication of a Commemorative Volume depicting the wider history of the NIA and its role in disseminating the knowledge of both the countries in the background of the constantly changing cultural, academic, commercial and industrial scenes. The Diamond Jubilee is also a unique moment for us not only to reflect on the past; but also to contemplate on our future. We hope to bring out a useful volume of articles written by a number of experts in these fields. The Book Committee consists of Badri Madan, Ram L. Lakhina and Vasant Moharir. 
2. The Sports Committee consisting of R.D.D. Gurnani and Pramod Sharma, will organise a cricket match “The Ambassador of India Eleven vs The Mayor of Wassenaar Eleven” followed by a reception given by the Mayor of Wassenaar in June 2011.
3. A symposium on Indo-Dutch relationship and co-operation. Leading academicians as well as experts will take part in this symposium.  It is the intention of the organisers to invite Indian and Dutch experts to lead the session. The Symposium Committee consists of Dirk Kolff, Marianne Oort and Gopi Menon. The symposium will take place on Thursday, 10th of November, 2011, at Kasteel Wittenburg, Wassenaar. 
4. A Grand Concluding Cultural Programme.  The Cultural Programme Committee consists of R.D.D. Gurnani, Pramod Sharma and Suman Korenhof. The launch of the Commemorative Volume and the cultural programme will take place in December 2011.